Editor’s Letter
With all that has happened in the last decade, it has paved the way for the beginning of the new decade as scientists will continue to break the boundaries of science and technology. Stretching through its limits to enhance lives and have greater influence on the human experience.
From the first creation of the world’s largest Asia genetic databank in Singapore to using CRISPR technology to genetically edit babies in China, the 2010s was not short of innovative as well as controversial scientific discoveries.
Through all these new discoveries and emerging technologies that research and development in science and technology has brought us the past years, will come the lessons that we can take with us into the new decade. Whether it is improvement to current treatment methods or techniques used in the laboratory, all these may seem essential for growth. However, we must remember that behind the modern and futuristic façade of science and technology stands traditional values such as integrity and ethics that will continue to have its place in modern day research and development.
In our first issue of 2020, we bring you highlights of the International Diabetes Foundation Congress, held in December 2019. (pg. 22) Much of the forum focused on empowering the diabetic patient in proper management of their condition to prevent further complications.
For our columns section we now bring you two new regular columns, <Game Changers> and <The Lab Report>. The Game Changer featured this month hopes to disrupt both food and biomedical industries through their Triple-Technology platform and create sustainable options for companies in these industries. (pg. 14) The Lab Report highlights the research from the National University of Singapore, Department of Chemistry. The team of researchers are discovering a metal-based alternative anti-cancer drug that is less toxic to current options. Their new drug could potentially provide a treatment method for aggressive cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer. (pg. 18)
Spotlights this month will bring to you interviews from various sectors of the healthcare industry, from the National Health Insurance schemes in Taiwan (pg. 32), to start-ups in HealthTech for Asia (pg. 36), as well as cybersecurity for healthcare in an ever-growing digitalized healthcare industry. (pg. 40)
In working to achieve our vision we have officially launched our official newsroom (www.asiabiotechlive.com) which will serve to complement the current Asia-Pacific Biotech News website. It will contain the latest news and updates on science and technology in Asia Pacific. We hope that in the year 2020 we can continue to serve in delivering content for the community to keep abreast of the happenings in science and technology and how it will shape our future.
Deborah Emmanuel Seah Qing En
Editor